Understanding the Different Types of Scoliosis

Did you know that three million people per year are diagnosed with scoliosis? While scoliosis is most commonly diagnosed in children between the ages of 10-15, it can also impact younger children as well as adults. Terrapin Care Center provides state-of-the-art treatment options for juvenile, adolescent and adult degenerative scoliosis in Greenbelt, MD. Read on as we explain everything you need to know about these three forms of the disease and our innovative treatment methods.

Juvenile Scoliosis

Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS) is diagnosed in patients aged 4-10 and accounts for roughly 10-15% of all cases of scoliosis. The cause of JIS is unknown. Boys are most commonly affected by JIS, with the curve frequently appearing on the left side. If detected early, juvenile scoliosis in Silver Spring, MD, can be managed effectively through our innovative scoliosis bracing technology. For more severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

Adolescent Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is diagnosed in children aged 10 to 18 and is the most common form of scoliosis, affecting up to 4% of adolescents. As with JIS, the underlying cause of AIS is not well understood, although a genetic connection is suspected in some cases. Girls are more commonly diagnosed with AIS than boys, and the curve is often located on the right side. Shoulder height asymmetry and waistline asymmetry are common symptoms. AIS does not typically cause pain.

Adult Degenerative Scoliosis

Adult degenerative scoliosis is caused by degeneration of the joints and discs in the spine, usually due to the aging process. Symptoms of this form of scoliosis include lower back pain, leg pain and a pins-and-needles sensation that radiates down the legs.

At Terrapin Care Center, we offer innovative scoliosis bracing treatment that can help manage all three forms of scoliosis. To learn more about the different types of scoliosis or to find out if our ScoliBrace® treatment is the right fit for you, call us today at (301) 220-1930. We serve families in College Park, MD, and the surrounding areas.